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You're a smart renter, and you've heard you need renters insurance because it'll come in handy in all kinds of scenarios. We'll detail how to go about filing a renters insurance claim — but also explain how you can protect yourself from having to file one in the first place.

What are my renters insurance deductibles?

Your renters insurance deductible, or the amount you pay personally in the event of a claim, will vary depending on the limit you select.

Generally, if you opt for a higher deductible, your policy will cost less, but you'll have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. Lowering your deductible, however, only costs a couple of dollars more a month and will give you added protection if you have to file a claim.

4 common renters insurance claims

Renters insurance comes in handy in all kinds of scenarios. But what exactly are those scenarios? Here's a few common renters claims — and how renters coverage can help.

"Someone broke into my apartment."

One of the key benefits of renters insurance is reimbursement for possessions taken from your home. There are 2 types of reimbursement: actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost coverage (RCC). When your renters claim is settled, ACV pays for whatever your possession was worth when it was stolen (factoring in depreciation). RCC pays you what it will cost to replace it with a brand-new, comparable item.

A surprising truth about break-ins

If you don't live in the big, bad city, you might think you're not at risk. But surprisingly, the burglary rate in smaller cities outside of major metropolitan areas is actually a bit higher (822 burglaries per 100,000 people) than in the biggest cities (727 per 100,000 people).

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of a home break-in

Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare can give potential burglars real-time updates on your current or future whereabouts. So when you post a photo of your new LED television and brag about your upcoming vacation, it could spell trouble. Turn up those privacy settings and don't post details about your travels until you're home.

A surprising truth about property theft

It seems thieves are more comfortable working in the open than inside your home. In 2012, the number of reported thefts in public was nearly 6 times the number of home burglaries.

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of property theft outside your home

The "please clean" sign on your hotel doorknob conveniently tells everyone, including thieves, that you're out. As an alternative, keep the "do not disturb" sign on the knob at all times and tell the front desk when you'd like to have your room cleaned.

"My stuff/place was destroyed in a fire."

One malfunctioning wire can wipe out all of your possessions (or your entire rental space). Renters insurance can help replace your stuff and even cover your temporary relocation if necessary. By taking the time to create a home inventory of all possessions now, which is relatively easy, renters insurance claims processes can be made simpler.

A surprising truth about fire damage in the U.S.

You'd be forgiven for assuming that the West, with its often-dry climate, experiences the highest rates of property damage due to fire. But the Midwest is the clear leader in this category.

Here's how the U.S. regions ranked in 2012:

Midwest: $46.7 million lost on average per capita

South: $34.6 million lost on average per capita

West: $36.9 million lost on average per capita

Northeast: $43.6 million lost on average per capita

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of a fire in your home

Potted plants add some color and life to your apartment, but these innocent companions are sometimes sitting in soil made of combustible agents. If you let them dry out, an errant spark from a cigarette, candle, or grill could quickly spark danger. (Yet another reason to remember to water the plants.)

"Someone was accidentally hurt in my apartment."

Accidents happen. And when someone is hurt in your home, your renters insurance personal liability coverage can help. It can also pay for medical-related expenses if you injure someone away from home. And if the injured party decides to sue you for damages, personal liability coverage can help cover the costs.

A surprising truth about injuries at home

Injuries inside homes result in more than 21 million medical visits per year, according to the Home Safety Council. While it can't help pay for your own family's injuries, your renters insurance could cover dog bites inflicted to your guests or if they slip and fall, etc.

How your home might unintentionally endanger your guests

Falls lead to nearly 9 million ER visits on average each year, according to the National Safety Council. To help your guests avoid falling, there are a few dangers that are easily prevented:

Loose cords

Skidding rugs

Toys (for those of you with little ones)

Loose railings along stairs

Keeping these in mind could help your friendly neighbor or relative avoid a dangerous fall.

This page is intended to provide you with general information about renters insurance, and to help you understand the various kinds of coverage. It does not describe or refer to any specific policy or coverage. For information about your particular coverages, including limitations and exclusions, we encourage you to read your policy contract and consult your insurance representative with any questions.

Policies purchased by residents of FL are underwritten by Security First Insurance Company, and policies purchased by residents of all other states are underwritten by member companies of the Homesite Group Incorporated where not underwritten by Esurance. Renters insurance claims are processed and paid by the underwriting company. Esurance does not underwrite, provide customer service, or pay claims for any renters policies underwritten by Security First Insurance Company or member companies of the Homesite Group Incorporated.

Esurance Insurance Services, Inc. (California License #0G87829), offers, among other insurance products and services, the renters policies underwritten by member companies of the Homesite Insurance Group and Security First Insurance Company.